Review: Be the Solution: How Entrepreneurs and Conscious Capitalists Can Solve All the World's Problems

Be the Solution: How Entrepreneurs and Conscious Capitalists Can Solve All the World's Problems by Michael Strong

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I was primed to love this book. I admire the main author, Michael Strong, and the previous work he has done (both in terms of his writing and activism). Others I respect have recommended the book as well. However, though there are great things about the book, I was left somewhat disappointed.

I like the ideas in the book: many of them are important and essential for human progress and development. The goals of the authors are worthwhile and idealistic.

Nevertheless, I was hoping for more focus and specifics on the different entrepreneurs and the kind of things they did to help alleviate and deal with different kinds of problems. There was some of that, but not nearly enough.

The chapters were uneven. Some had great nuggets of insight but others were either too foofy or too new-agey. The best parts where the ones that focused on real entrepreneurs and their work. The weaker parts where the attempts at pop psychology and self-help that made up the chapters on the FLOW vision.





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Review: The Third Option

The Third Option by Vince Flynn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is an intriguing and gripping thriller. Rapp is a great hero, although as I have written before, he is not all that distinguishable (at least at this point) from other heroes in this genre. In the first half of the book, it drags a bit at points. The story took a little bit to find itself before it takes off. Dr. Kennedy is a character I'd like to see and expect to see developed more. The development of the main antagonist--one that feels like a multi-book antagonist--is interesting. It sets up a compelling dynamic between the protagonists and antagonists. So much so that I am starting immediately on the next book.




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Review: Pebble in the Sky

Pebble in the Sky by Isaac Asimov

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this last in the Galactic Empire trilogy. It has similar faults to the previous two (primarily the thin characters and weak female characters). The plot here was also too fantastical with the time-travelling and the 'mind touch' thing. (It is interesting that Asimov has written several works involving a kind of ESP.)

Asimov again and again uses the plot device of one set of characters interacting coincidentally while another set of characters perceive these interactions as planned or conspiratorial. These latter characters then act in ways that make their suspicions self-fulfilling. It can be clever, but reading too many Asimov stories in a row makes it a bit too formulaic.

Nevertheless, the novel was fun and interesting.



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Review: The Messenger

The Messenger by Daniel Silva

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I continue to love this series and its characters. Nevertheless, while I enjoyed this novel, it lacked a certain something. There was a lot of set up and then a quick resolution. Still, Gabriel is a fascinating character and Silva's storytelling draws me in.



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Review: BAD DEEDS

BAD DEEDS by Robert Bidinotto

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I loved Bidinotto’s first novel, Hunter, but Bad Deeds just might be better. It’s hard to put my finger on precisely why. It is exciting and well-plotted. The protagonists and antagonists are well-drawn, interesting, and realistic. One thing that I liked better in Bad Deeds is that it didn’t have as much of the romantic story line. Don’t get me wrong, the relationship between Hunter and Annie develops and grows and is an important part of the plot. In the first novel, it felt a little over-bearing for my personal taste. I think Bidinotto hit a better balance here.

If one enjoys the thriller genre (writers such as Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Daniel Silva, etc.), then one will definitely love Bad Deeds.




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